Young Emirati Woman Operates Crane, Works 12-Hour Night Shift

• Lubna Malik Mohammad Malik Qassem has achieved the distinction of becoming the inaugural female graduate trainee at the operation potline division
• In her role as an operational engineer, she bears the primary responsibility of overseeing and supervising the continuous operations of various systems, processes, and facilities
• This encompasses the vital tasks of optimising efficiency, ensuring seamless operations, troubleshooting issues, coordinating teams, enforcing safety protocols

In a groundbreaking display of gender equality and determination, Emirati women are breaking barriers across diverse sectors.

What did Lubna specialise in?

An emblematic illustration of this shift can be found in the remarkable story of Lubna Malik Mohammad Malik Qassem.

Lubna is a trailblasing graduate engineer who is not only operating in a male-dominated field but also operating a crane during her 12-hour night shifts, Khaleej Times reported.

A holder of a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, she has earned the distinction of being the first female graduate trainee in operation Potline at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA).

The EGA is a global titan in aluminium production.

Lubna, an operational engineer, undertakes the pivotal responsibilities of overseeing and supervising ongoing processes.

She ensures optimal efficiency, troubleshooting challenges, managing teams, enforcing safety protocols, and instigating changes for streamlined operations.

Operating cranes in a 12-hour shift

Leveraging her theoretical proficiency and practical insight, Lubna has embraced the demanding environment, occasionally labouring through 12-hour night shifts.

Defying traditional gender roles, Lubna's role also encompasses crane operation, a domain that has long been male-dominated.

Operating a crane necessitates exceptional aptitude, precision, and attention to detail, qualities that Lubna masterfully embodies.

Reflecting on her initial experiences, she shared,

"Since it was my first time operating a crane, it was difficult at first. After a while, I found it wasn't as difficult as I had thought. Furthermore, practice makes us perfect, and we always follow the safety rules and never take shortcuts."

She emphasised the imperative nature of adhering to safety guidelines and emphasised the potential hazards inherent to crane operations.

Family and friends rally behind Lubna

Stepping into a male-dominated and physically demanding profession triggered mixed reactions from Lubna's circle.

Despite initial concerns, her family and friends rallied behind her, bolstering her determination.

"Now, they believe that women are able to work in any field they want to, and as the industrial sector is one of the most important sectors, it awaits more creativity, innovation, and active participation from Emirati women," Lubna shared confidently.

Beyond her professional achievements, she indulges in other interests, from hitting the gym to engaging in culinary pursuits, playing chess, and aiding her siblings with academic challenges.

Her aspirations to serve as a role model for Emirati women encapsulate the profound societal shift underway.

"I hope more women will join this industry because we are capable of doing anything. Before, women of my age may not have known that they could work in industrial operations roles," she said optimistically.

"But now, they can see me. And by seeing me, God Willing, I can inspire them," added Lubna.

Vihiga man working at construction site with wife

Back at home, at a construction site in one of the villages in Mbale, Vihiga county, two voices, one of a man and another of a woman, can be heard at a distance.

The soft sound of roller brushes can also be heard as they kiss the walls of a newly built house with fresh paint.

Moving closer, a casually dressed man and woman are seen. Pigments of paint have decorated their clothes with irregular patterns, signifying the pair has been working for some time now.

The duo is Daniel Shiratt and his loving wife Andeso.

They have just been contracted by a client who saw their work and commitment, and they liked it.